How are residuals calculated?

In Australia, payment obligations to performers arise under the agreements that have been negotiated between Screen Producers’ Australia (SPA) and Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA). The key agreements for residuals in Australia are:

• TV & Online: Australian Television Repeats and Residuals Agreement (ATRRA)
• Features: Australian Feature Film Collective Agreement (AFFCA)

The ATRRA covers Serial Drama, Serial Comedy, Series Drama and Series Comedy (other than variety), pilots and single drama or comedy programs for TV exploitation, SVOD and online.

The mechanisms for calculating residuals payment obligations vary depending on characteristics about the show – including type, duration and year produced – as well as the type, territory and volume of sales.

Screenrights works with producers to appropriately classify shows, track sales performance, calculate residuals payment obligations and allocate residuals to individual performers. We can also assist in making payments.